REACTION: 'You Have To Use The Squad'

9 October 2012

Leo Tyrie

Gaffer happy with progress in Johnstone's Paint Trophy

RUSSELL SLADE made the most of the opportunity to utilise his fringe players as Orient progressed to the area quarter finals of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy with a 1-0 win over Barnet on Tuesday night.

The O's boss made five changes to the team that lost to Sheffield United at the weekend and one of those who came in, Moses Odubajo, popped up with the winning goal.

Slade was delighted not only to progress but also to take a look at those players who haven't had the chance to shine yet this term.

"That's what it is, we're through to the next round," he said. "We were able to rest one or two players, which has helped us hopefully towards Saturday too.

"I made the maximum amount of changes and then as the night went on I made some more.

"At times you have to use your squad and that's what we've done tonight. There were players who really needed minutes on the pitch and they've been able to achieve that tonight."

Odubajo's goal, his second for the club, settled the game and Slade was especially delighted with his contribution - both at right back and on the left wing.

"Moses played really well, whenever he's been given a start he's not let himself down so I'm really pleased with his performance," he added.

"We know he can play wide on either side and I actually quite like him coming onto the ball in that right back position when everything's in front of him. He's quite a threat and he has good energy.